Hey there. Myself and a couple other people are looking at opening a Halloween Store for 2011, and a possible haunt as well here in Canada (not saying what city yet), and was just wondering, what companies distribute to retailers. All I can really find is the larger props/decor, which we would want a few of those. but also obviously would need costumes, home decor, props, makeup, etc, basically the stuff you find in a Halloween store like Spirit and what-not. I know there are alot of people on here with tons of expperience, and any links, names of companies that you may know of, and any advice would be awesome.

Thanks!

Front Yard Fright

08-20-2010, 12:45 AM

Morris Costumes (http://morriscostumes.com/) is the big one that comes to mind right away. I also just recieved a catalog from a company called Seasons USA (http://seasonsusainc.com/). They have some decent looking props at OK prices.

tyree

08-20-2010, 04:11 AM

You need to go to St. Louis in March 2011. You will find all the props for your haunt. Also, I believe all of the costume distributers, etc. will be at the same show instead of Chicago. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

tyree

08-20-2010, 04:14 AM

http://www.hcpshow.com/

freak 'n' stein

08-21-2010, 07:39 AM

Just for clarification, are you trying to start you own "brand" Halloween store? I ask because the existing ones, Halloween Express, Spirit, etc. are franchises that you can apply for, as I'm sure you know.

dusty588

08-22-2010, 12:44 AM

Thanks for the replies. Morris seems to be a really good company, tons of selection. I'm not sure if I want to do "my own" store/name or go with a franchise. I am going to be 21 for the 2011 Halloween season, so a franchise might be a better choice for a first time business/ Halloween store, plus with Spirit, the stuff that I would be paying is the rent for several months, buying/renting the fixtures/shelving for the merchandise, and as far as sales go, I take a certain percentage, and Spirit takes the a certain amount (though not too sure what the % are, any one have an idea) I will keep researching this and any other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

Dustyn

RJ Productions

08-22-2010, 03:53 AM

To open up a store you will first have to open up your wallet first!!! TW and or the Costume show in Houston is a must. Morris is good for single items and selection but remember they are not a manufacturer. They buy products from the same suppliers you can. Advantage is some manufacturers have minimum orders and you might not need $500 from one particular supplier but you could then buy say a $100 of their product frm Morris.

Just remember, starting from scratch will be a huge outlay of cash because being new, no one is going to give you 6 months to pay them back!!

I would check on line and look for an independant costume shop that is way out of your market. If you're in BC look in Ontario. Contact them. Since you are not a direct competitor they may be willing to provide good info. I did that looking for info on laser tag facilities. Since I was looking at the east coast, I contacted a guy in BC. Not be a cometitor he was extremely helpful.

Good luck!

spookhaven

08-22-2010, 09:05 PM

Not to discourage you but you better have a minimum of 100K to start a store. We did it after our second year in the haunt business. Frankly we sold more costumes online in 2 weeks last year then we sold in the store. And no theft either. It's a very big deal and you just don't open a store and make money. If you decide to do it, get a hold of me. Have tractor trailer load of stuff for you to start out with if you are interested.